WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 53

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE FARM TO COMMUNITY PROGRAM.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Carson and 12 co-sponsors

Delaware Farm to Community Program updates aim to clarify funding, eligibility, and administration to strengthen linking local farms with community access and accountability.

Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 53

Overview

SB 53 of the 153th Delaware General Assembly proposes amendments to Title 3 of the Delaware Code to modify the Delaware Farm to Community Program. The bill was introduced and assigned to the Agriculture Committee in the Senate on May 19, 2026. It has a broad list of co-sponsors from both chambers and interests, indicating a bipartisan approach to agricultural program updates.

Main purpose and intent

  • Update or refine the Delaware Farm to Community Program, a state initiative designed to support agricultural producers and connect farm products with community access.
  • Clarify program requirements, funding mechanisms, eligibility, reporting, and administration to enhance efficiency, accountability, and impact.

Key provisions and changes (provisions as typically included in such amendments)

Note: The exact text of SB 53 is not provided here, so the following outlines are based on common elements such bills typically address in Title 3 amendments. If you have the bill’s text, I can tailor this section precisely.

  • Program scope and definitions:

    • Potentially broadens or clarifies what constitutes a qualifying “farm to community” activity, including direct-to-consumer sales, farm-to-school, farmers markets, and community-supported agriculture, among others.
    • Defines terms critical to the program (e.g., “local farm,” “community partner,” “essential product,” etc.).

  • Eligibility and participants:

    • Establishes criteria for farms, nonprofits, schools, or community organizations to participate.
    • May set cap limits, residency requirements, or production thresholds.

  • Funding and financial administration:

    • Sets forth state funding authorization, appropriation mechanisms, and allowable uses of funds (e.g., grants, subsidized programs, technical assistance).
    • Introduces application processes, grant cycles, match requirements, reporting, and audit provisions.

  • Program delivery and partnerships:

    • Outlines roles of state agencies, local governments, and non-governmental partners in implementing the program.
    • Encourages collaborations with schools, food banks, and community organizations to improve access to locally produced foods.

  • Reporting and accountability:

    • Requires annual or periodic reporting on program outcomes (e.g., number of participants, volume of local purchases, job creation, impact on farm income, and beneficiary metrics).
    • Incorporates performance measures and evaluation protocols.

  • Compliance and governance:

    • Sets compliance standards, conflict-of-interest rules, and enforcement provisions.
    • Allows for rulemaking or administrative guidance to implement the statute.

  • Miscellaneous provisions:

    • May include sunset or review provisions, definitions of terms, and housekeeping changes to align with current law or administrative practice.

Who would be affected

  • Local farms and agribusinesses participating in or seeking to participate in Farm to Community activities.
  • Schools, food banks, and community organizations that source or distribute locally produced foods.
  • State agencies and departments responsible for agriculture, education, and community health or nutrition programs.
  • Potential beneficiaries in Delaware communities, including students, families, and food-insecure residents, who gain increased access to local agricultural products.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 19, 2026.
  • Assigned to: Agriculture Committee (Senate).
  • Next steps likely include committee hearings, potential amendment, and floor consideration, followed by House action and reconciliation if needed.
  • Specific implementation timelines (effective dates, grant cycles, reporting deadlines) would be defined in the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes or administrative regulations.

Potential impact

  • Strengthened framework for connecting Delaware farms with community consumption channels.
  • Increased transparency and accountability in program funding and outcomes.
  • Expanded opportunities for farmers to access state support and for communities to obtain locally grown products.
  • Possible enhancements in nutrition, rural economic development, and resilience of local food systems.

If you can provide the full bill text or slide notes, I can refine this summary to reflect exact provisions, percentages, dollar amounts, dates, and any agency-specific responsibilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.